The name Jackal is often used to describe a cunning nature and a versatility which is a hallmark of this species.
Despite the persecution suffered as a known livestock predator and rabies vector. Black backed Jackal numbers continue to thrive in their preferred habitats.
Distribution
Black backed Jackals occur in two distinct areas of Africa, Southern Africa as far north as Southern Angola, and the Eastern parts of the continent from Northern Malawi through to Southern Somalia. They can be found on the outer fringes of urban habitats through to the extremes of arid areas including deserts. They are present in most South African provinces excluding the very South Western areas of the country.
Habitat
Jackals will tolerate a wide range of differing habitats but are particularly opposed to very dense vegetation. This may be as a result of the threat of predation by Leopard. However, in those areas where large predators are absent, they will readily make use of it to avoid detection
Communication
The Black Backed Jackal has an unmistakeable distinctive wailing call often immediately answered by other family members and shortly thereafter by other groups of Jackal. Calling occurs most often during early morning and early evening. Calling may reach its peak in the winter months as this is associated with the mating season. Jackal will also make a repetitive distinctive yapping when mobbing the larger predators such as Lion, Leopard and Spotted Hyena. This yapping if recognised can be a sure indicator of larger predator sightings.
Food
A true omnivore, diet is extremely varied and consists of any food available at the time. This includes fruit, berries, insects, grass, ground dwelling birds, reptiles and insects. Mostly they will be found foraging in pairs or alone in the veld. They utilise pouncing on the smaller prey species and chase and subdue tactics on larger prey most often targeting the old and sick animals. In such cases they are often found in larger co-operative hunting groups taking turns to subdue the prey. In event large amounts of meat become available, some will be eaten, and large amounts buried or hidden for later.
Family Life
Jackals are monogamous and a breeding pair may mate for life. The young from the previous year may extend their time with their parents to ‘help’ with the new litter, in effect acting as carers as well as gaining experience in raising young.
Breeding is seasonal and mating occurs between June and August. A litter between 1-6 young is born after a 2-month gestation period. After weaning, food is supplied via regurgitation prior to solid foods. Initially the young will utilise their parent’s territory before ranging wider and wider in search of a mate. Sexual maturity is at roughly 11 months.
Poorer without me
As the dominant predator in many areas of Southern Africa due to the absence of larger predators, the Black Backed Jackal plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the eco-system as their prey of choice are the sick or weakened animals. Without this predation an enormous number of parasites would be introduced into the various ecosystems.
People and Jackal
Jackal feature prominently in the folklore of the various cultures in Southern Africa, but none more so than the Khoi- Kho often depicting the Jackal and lion together with the Jackal often outwitting the bigger predator with his cunning and superior intelligence.
The Tshwana people often made hats and coats out of Jackal skins. Between the years 1914-1917 demand for these pelts grew due to WW1 and 50 000 a year were sold in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town
Black Backed Jackal numbers continue to thrive, and the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.
Facts researched from the internet, text by Chris Mayes.